Tips to Create an Awesome Landscape

Today we’re working on Sam’s image. If you have a photo you’d like to see edited in a Phlearn episode please submit it in the “Connect” tab above and let us know what you would like to see!

Techniques Used

Sam requested that we add some cool effects to this image.

The first thing I’m going to do is adjust our Lights and darks using Curves to add Contrast. This helps the image pop and makes it alittle more insteresting instantly.

Next step is to blur the water. This is really eas to do once you create a Stamp Visible Layer (Shift Com Alt E).

I use a Gaussian Blur first and then a Motion Blur to make it look more realistic. You can then mask out the areas you don’t want too be blurred. Try using a harder Brush to get a crisper line.

The blur compressed the Highlights and Shadows in this image so we’ll grab another Curves Adjustment Layer to fix it. You can then clip it to the layer below by hitting Option Com G. Once this is roughly masked in you can blur that layer as well, and do the same thing for the Highlights.

The next trick we’ll do is also using a Stamp Visible Layer. I’m going to make random selections, focusing more in the lighter areas but it really doesn’t matter. This is going to create a really nice detail in the water so it gives the long-Exposure effect. Go back up to Motion Blur and change the Angle rom left to right for a nice Ripple effect.

Landscapes aren’t something I usually work with but I really enjoyed editing this image. I would love to see some of your results!

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